Art is Dead

Bo Burnham's Art is Dead is a comical song written to show how the hollywood business work behind the scenes in some ways.

The reason I love this song is because not only is it funny, but in a way it is also dark and realistic. Just look at the lyrics and see if you get the same impression that I do.

Art is dead
Art is dead
Art is dead
Art is dead

Entertainers like to seem complicated
But we're not complicated
I can explain it pretty easily
Have you ever been to a birthday party for children 
And one of the children won't stop screaming
Cuz he's just a little attention attractor
When he grows up to be a comic or actor
He'll be rewarded for never maturing
For never understanding or learning
That every day can't be about him
There's other people, you selfish asshole! 

I must be psychotic
I must be demented
To think that I'm worthy of all this attention
Of all of this money you worked really hard for
I slept in late while you worked at the drug store

My drug's attention
I am addict
But I get paid to indulge in my habit
It's all an illusion
I'm wearing make up
I'm wearing make up
Make up
Make up

Art is dead
Some people think you're funny
How do we get those people's money?
I said art is dead
We're rolling in dough while Carlin rolls in his grave
His grave
His grave

This show has got a budget 
This show has got a budget
And all the poor people way more deserving 
Of the money won't budge it
Cause I wanted my name in lights
When I could have fed a family of four
For forty fucking fortnights
Forty fucking fortnights! 

I am an artist
Please God, forgive me
I am an artist
Please don't revere me
I am an artist
Please don't respect me
I am an artist
You're free to correct me 

A self-centered artist
Self-obsessed artist
I am an artist
I am an artist
But I'm just a kid
I'm just a kid
I'm just a kid, kid
And maybe I'll grow out of it. 

See what I mean? Although there is humor in this song, the final message is complaining about the business he is in, and how people are being exploited.

Let me translate my favorite lyrics to you:

"Some people think you're funny, how do we get those people's money?"
          Translation: "You're funny, let's fuck everyone who laughs at your jokes"

"That everyday can't be about him, there's other people you selfish asshole"
           Translation: "Stop asking for attention, you're not important you selfish asshole"

"To think that I'm worthy of all this attention, of all of this money you worked really hard for, I slept in late while you worked at the drug store"
            Translation: "I think I'm more deserving of all the money I make, even though I don't work."